Brexit dogma must be challenged

The intervention in the Brexit debate by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) this week, coming out in support of Britain remaining in a customs union, is timely.

Carolyn Fairbairn, its director-general, says such a course of action could help to address some of the complex challenges, including how to manage the border with Northern Ireland.

The mobilisation of British business on this issue should come as no surprise. There is no reputable economic analysis that suggests anything other than the UK taking a significant economic hit if it turns its back on the EU trading bloc. Our close ties mean Ireland and Irish business are uniquely exposed to the fallout from such an outcome.

The idea that a UK free to negotiate unilaterally its…

Want to read more?

Subscribe now and get unlimited digital access on web and our smartphone and tablet apps, free for your first month.